IRAQ

Christmas in Iraq: U.S. Troops Give Joy to Iraqi Children

By Gary Lane
For CWNews

January 2, 2004

CBN.com – BAGHDAD -- The American soldier is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year for 2003.' It has been a long and difficult year for many of them. Most U.S. troops in Iraq have been in the region since January or February of 2003.

A soldier told us, "We've been here the whole time. It's been a long road."

Some are praying to overcome the pain of being separated from their loved ones at Christmas time. Chaplain Lyn Brown prayed, "Not only is this a joyous time, but it is also a time that is sad, because we are away from our families. And I would ask, especially, that You protect us, but also protect our families at home."

Establishing security and stability is priority number one here. Despite the recent capture of Saddam Hussein, the risks and dangers to American troops have yet to subside. Even short journeys through the streets of Baghdad are often nerve-wracking and arduous.

Grenades thrown into Humvees, along with random gunfire and roadside bombs detonated by Islamic radicals and insurgents pose the greatest risks. The soldiers are forever vigilant -- watching, ready, waiting, wondering if they will fall victim to the next attack.

Far from family and friends this Christmas, American troops are taking a break from the challenges of securing the Iraqi nation and are spreading some good cheer, giving of themselves and meeting with some Iraqi children.

Members of the Army's 422nd Civil Affairs Bureau helped construct a playground for Iraqi children. The children are orphans at the Al-Najat orphanage located in a Sunni Muslim neighborhood in Baghdad. The new playground was completed in late November and dedicated one week before Christmas.

Other troops paid a visit to another Baghdad orphanage - bringing gifts and fun for the handicapped kids there.

Scott Southworth is from Wisconsin. He said, "We absolutely love it. It's a good chance for us to kind of 'reset' after a long day of missions and stuff. We see so many bad things - death and destruction and bad things in the city."

Chris Byrd, from Maryland, wore a Santa hat as he said, "We're going back to the orphanage."

Byrd added, "I think Christmas, this year, I probably looked more at the birth of Christ, certainly. But the gifts we have, and the gifts we've been given make a difference in other people's lives."

Christina Green is from Maryland. She said, "I love kids - children - in the first place. So, I feel like I'm at home with my family getting to spend time with the young ones."

Angela Leverette, from Florida, said, "Sharing love with somebody who needs it, it's important."

As boys wrestled in the background, Scott Southworth said, "This is probably our greatest mission that we have here in Baghdad. Supporting this orphanage and being with these kids allows us to do some Christian work and express God's love, and at the same time remember what we are doing this for."

As Christmas music played, Southworth added, "With a new and free Iraq - and we really believe that - the future is the kids. When you can see a smile on a child's face, you know God is here, God is working and that means we can drive on every single day."

One of the orphan boys, Alahaddin smiled and said, "Merry Christmas, America!"

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